Electric switch



Feb. 9, 1932. NORVIEL 1,844,789

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov 16, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 9, 1932.

H. E. NORVIEL 1,844,789

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 16, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 9, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY E. NORVIEL, F ANDERSON, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR T0 DELCO-BEMY CORPORA- TION, 0F DAYTON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed November 16, 1928. Serial No. 319,903.

This invention relates to electrical switches for automobiles and particularly to switches which are adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end of the steering column of the automobile and to be operated by a shaft entending through the column and connected with a handle adjacent the hub of the steering wheel.

The present invention has been developed with the aim of improving the construction and increasing the efficiency of switches of this type.

Among the several objects attained in the development of this aim, are to provide a cover or enclosure for the switch assembly and terminal connections to provide for ready inspection of the terminal connections without disturbing their relative associatlon, to provide for quickly detaching the terminal connections as an assembly, to provide means for resiliently, but positively insuring correct position of the cover and connection of the terminals with their respective posts.

Other aims and objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a steering column assembly to which a switch embodying the present invention in one form is attached.

1 the cover removed.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are sectional views respectively on the lines 5-5, 66 and 77 of Fig. 4.

Figs. 8 and 9 are sectional views respectively, on the lines 88 and 99 of Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a view of a modified form of my invention showing certain parts in section.

Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of a terminal assembly plate looking in the direction of the arrow 11 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the same plate as viewed in the direction of the arrow 12 in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a detail view sembled relation of one plate and switch assembly.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 1414 of Fig. 3, illustrating the parts moved to a circuit closing position.

Referring to the drawings, designates the mast of the steering column which is supported by the steering gear housing 21, and which provides a bearing for a steering tube 22, attached to a steering wheel 23. The tube 22 encloses a plurality of concentric tubes, the innermost of which is designated by numeral 24. The tube 24 is connected with a lever 25 located adjacent the hub of the steering wheel 23, extends through the steering column and is connected at its lower end with a switch mechanism.

The switch comprises a mounting cup 26 having a flat end wall 27 and a cylindrical side wall 28. The end wall 27 is struck inwardly at a plurality of points to form loops 29, with adjacent apertures 30 to receive the tongues 31 about the edge of a switch enclosure member 32, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The member 32 is also provided with tangs 33 at the oppositeedge thereof to be received in notches 34 in the outer edge 35 of a non-conducting cover plate or switch back 36, and bent over to retain the cover plate and switch parts in assembled relation. The plate 36 carries stationary switch contacts 37 which are arranged in a circular row and are electrically connected with various terminal connections as posts 38 respectively.

The stationary contacts 37 are formed by the heads of inserts 39 which secure the terminal posts 38 to the plate 36, as by molding the latter about the said heads. In thisit is usual to mill orknurl the heads ofthe insets to provide a bight between them and the body of the insulating member 36, all of which is well known to those skilled in the art. These showing the asof the terminals,

' carrying disc 42 is drivingly connected with contacts are adapted to be engaged by certain of a plurality of movable contacts formed by providing a somewhat triangular shaped plate 41'with spherical bosses 40. The plate 41 is supported by and is driven by a non conducting disc 42 or contact carrier which 15 provided with a central opening includmg notches 4-3 for receiving tangs 44 respectively the detent plate 46 by'providing the latter with tangs 49, which are received by notches 50 provided by the contact carrier 42,

, Both thecontact carrier 42 and the detent plate 46 are driven through the tangs 49 by a disc 51 having notches 52 fo-rreceiving the tangs 49 and provided with a central opening 53 for receiving the shaft 24 and provided with a key54 which is received by a 1 suitable longitudinal groove in the tube 24.

The spring performs the dual function of maintaining the movable contactsin engagement with the stationary contacts andmaintaining the detent bosses 47 in engagement with the holes 48 of the plate 41, so that the movable contact will be yieldingly retained in Various operating positions into which it is moved by the lever 25.

Motion of the movable contact is limited by providing the plate 46 with an. arcuate notch 55 which receives a lug 56 integral with the case wall 31. The parts 57 and 58 defining thernotch 55 serve as stops engageable with the lug 56 in order to limit movement of the plate 46 in either direction.

The switch, case is fixed to the lower end of the steering gear case21 by a mounting plate 60 attached to the mounting cup 26, and having a slot 61 for receiving the stud The slot 61 permits adjusting the cup 30. angularly relative to the shaft 24, so that the switch may be located properly with respect to trie swltclroperating handle 25.

As is shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 10, the

.suppornng cup 26 is somewhat larger than the switch inclosure 32, and when in assemble'd relation therewlth, 1 rovides annular channel 62'bet'ween the cup side wall '28 and the member 32. This channel 62 is used to house the meeting endor flange 63 ofa cover member 64, disposed about the end .of the switch assembly, and which is provided with quickly detachable means to secure the cover to the cup as by means of the bayonet and slot connections illustrated in the drawings, and generally indicated by the numeral 65. To insure proper retention of the cover to the case, once it has been fixed by the secur ing means 65, resilient means are provided, as by thespring 66, for engaging a part of the cover and assembly to keep them in their associated relation.-

In one form of my invention, that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, 1 accomplish this by providing the spring 66 in the form of a circular ring of spring wire of a size that must be compressed slightly to be placed within the cup 26, at which time it will expand suliiciently tolie adjacent the side wall 28 of the cup, and 1 further provide the ring with reverse lateral bends or bights 67 of suflicient magnitude such that when placed within the cup 26, that each alternate bend will engage the wall 2'? of thecup as at 68, while the intervening and oppositelyf -disposed bends will engage the edge of the cover 4 as at 69, when the cover is being connected with the mountii gcup, and be compressed somewhat during the passing of the cover into locking engagei'nent with the cup.

The supportin cup 26 and cover 64 are so designed that they will completely enclose the switch assembly and'all of its appertinent connections, and in view of this, the body thereof is of ample size to provide a chamber 70 for the disposition of electric wire or terminal leads 71 with their connectors 72 in their relation with the posts 38. In one form of my invention, this connection is accomplished by means of screws 73 pass-' ing through apertured ears of the connectors 7 2, and threaded into the end of the posts 38. The cover 64 is provided with a convenient opening 74 to allow passage ofthe leads 71 to the exterior of the case and thence be distributed to their respective points of connection.

In a second form of the invention, the cover member 64atalres the form of a sleeve member having the flange 63 prolonged backwardly to a point where an annular ridge or shoulder 75 is formed circumferentially thereo for an abutment purpose. later to be described, and thence tapers to the centrally disposed aperture 74a, through which the leads 71, which may be formulated into a unitary-cable 76, are threaded. In this instance, the leads'7'1 terminate in connectors 72a of the quick detachable type, and comprise a pin-like tip fix'edto the bored end of the lead 71 by means of the bore 77 being received thereon. Th free end of the connector is provided with a reduced portion to be received by the central bore of the post- 38, and intermediate the ends of the connector 7 2 there is provided an annular flange 78 providing a shoulder on each side thereof a it joins the respective end portion. By

means of the reduced end of the connector 72a being telescopically received by the post 38, a readily detachable connection is provided between the leads and the switch assembly.

Means are provided for keeping the connectors 7 2a in good contact and in proper relation with their respective posts 38, in the form of a terminal assembly plate 79. The plate 79 is of non-conducting material and of a form and size to be contained within the cover 64. The plate is provided with notches 80 in the edge thereof and terminating in substantially pear shaped or enlarged apertures 81. These apertures 81 are oriented aboutthe surface of the plate to be disposed over the posts 38, and are of a size to nicely receive the larger portion of the connector 72a, but to prevent the connector passing out through the notch 80, or the flange 78 passing through the aperture 80. Fixed to one side of the plate, the spring 66a is embodied in a strip 82 of resilient material of sufiicient length to be received at its ends 83 by the shoulder of the cover 64, earlier referred to.

In assembling the plate 79 with the connectors, the flexible part 84 of the leads 71 are passed inwardly through the respective notches to the enlarged portions or apertures 81, and then the leads 71 are drawn backwardly through the apertures 81 until the connectors 72a are received within the apertures 81, and the flange 78 is engaged by the plate 79, the shoulder of the ridge seating against the edge portion of the aperture 81, as indicated at 85 in Fig. 13. The posts 38 and their cooperating connectors 71 are so disposed about the switch assembly that there is but oneposition in which they can be assembled, and in the present instance that form is illustrated by the positioning of the apertures 81, in Fig. 11. This feature provides a readily detachable connection of the switch assembly and terminal leads and insures proper connections of the respective parts when re-assembled, for the terminal assembly plate 7 9 with the leads 71 positioned in their proper apertures 81 are in the exact form to be received as a unit by the similarly positioned posts 38, when the plate with its assembly of connectors 72a is brought into contact with the switch assembly.

After the connectors 7 2a have been inserted within the recesses of the posts '38, the cover 64a, being threaded with the leads 71 or the cable 76, is then passed over the terminal plate and assembled connections until the shoulder 75 engages the ends 83 of the spring 82, compressing or flexing it, until the flange 63 of the cover 64 is received by the looking or retaining means 65, earlier referred to. In this embodiment of my invention, the spring 82 performs the dual function of maintaining the cover 64 in locked or retained engagement with the supporting cup 26, and

also forces the plate 79 against the shoulders of the connectors 72, forcing them into good electrical contact with the posts 38. However, upon removal of the cover 64 the tension of the spring 82 is released and the terminal plate 79 with the attached connectors 7 2 may be readily removed.

As a protection of the switch mechanism within the enclosure against deteriorating effects due to the change in weather conditions, and to exclude moisture from the interior of the casing, a dry felt washer or gasket is inserted between the end wall 27 of the cup 26, and the attaching or mounting plate 60, when these parts are assembled. The gasket 90 takes up the oil from the switch housing and thereby provides a barrier against the passage of water into the casing around the tube 24, and also provides an antirattling connection between the parts absorbing all vibration that might otherwise occur.

lVhile the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow. 1

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup and bracket, 8. switch assembly within the cup including a switch back provided with terminal posts, leads connected to the posts, a cover cooperating with the mounting cup to enclose the switch assembly and leads, and means to resiliently secure the cover to the said cup member.

2. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup, a switch assem bly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads connected tow the posts, a cover for said terminals and assembly, having locking engagement with the cup, and spring means urging the cover and cup in locked relation.

3. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads connected to the posts, a cover for said terminals and assembly, having locking engagement with the cup, and spring means engaging the cover and maintaining the locking engagement of said cover cup.

4. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup, 8. switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads connected to the posts, a cover for said terminals and assembly, having locking en agement with the cup, and spring means within the cup and engaging the cover to maintain the locking relation of cover and cup.

5. In an electric switch, the combination comprisinga mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, one wall of said assembly forming a contact support provided with terminal posts, leads connected to the posts and a cover resiliently supported by the cup enclosing said assembly and'terminal connections. 7

V 6. In an electric'switch, the'combinati-on comprising a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads connected to the posts, a cover telescopically received by the cup for enclosing the assembly and leads, and means resiliently maintaining the cover in enclosing relation.

7.. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads detachably connected to the posts, a terminal assembly plate supporting the leads in cooperative-re- 1 lation to the posts, and a resiliently supportedcover engaging the cup, to enclose the assembly and terminal connections. p

i 8. In an electric switch, the combination comprising 'a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads detachably connected to the posts, a terminal assembly plate supporting the leads in cooperative re lationto' the posts,a cover enclosing the switch assembly and terminal connections thereto, and means within the cover maintaining the enclosed relation.

9. In an electric switch, the combination comprising a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads detachably connected to the posts, a terminal assembly plate supporting the leads in cooperative re lation to the posts, a cover enclosing the switch assembly and terminal connections thereto, and means within the cover maintaining the enclosed relation and securing the terminal assembly plate in'positio'n.

10. In an electric switch, the combination comprising, a mounting cup' a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads detachably connectedto theposts, a terminal assembly plate disposed adjacentthe posts and supporting. the leads in contacting relation to the posts, anda cover engaging the cup to enclose the switch assembly and terminal connections.

"11. In an electric switch, the combination posts, a cover engaging the cup to enclose the switch assembly and terminal connections,

and means. carriedby saidplate to insure retention of thecover and maintain contact ing relation between the leads and posts. 12. In an electric switch, the combination comprising, a mounting cup, a switch assembly within the cup, terminal posts carried by one wall of the assembly, leads detachably connected to the posts, a terminal assembly plate disposed adjacent the posts and sup porting the leads in contacting relation to the posts, a cover engaging the cup to enclose the switch assembly and terminal connections, and a spring engaging said plate and cover to retain both cover and plate in position.

13. In an electric switch the combination comprising, a mounting member, a switch assembly carried by the member andproviding terminal posts, leads detachably connected to the'posts, a terminal assembly plate supporting the leads in their relative positions, a cover detachably connected to the'mounting member and providing a closure for the switch assembly and terminal connections,

and means disposed between the cover and plate to maintain er position. a

14. An electric switch adapted to be mounted at the lower end of a steering column and having provisions for control through the said steeringcolumn, comprising in combination, a contact carrier, a 'detent plat-e coaxia'lly rotatable with the carrier and drivingly connected thereto, a'case enclosing the carrier and plate, stationary contacts carried by a wall of the case and engageable with a movable contact on said carrier, means interposed between the contact carrier and detent plate for insuring relative cooperation of said'contacts and detent, a mounting cup providing a support for said case, and a cover for the switch assembly rel-easably engaging the mounting cup. a

15. An electric switch comprising in comthe cover and plate in propbination, a mounting cup provided with a bracket by which it is supported, a switch rousing mounted in the cup, a switch back closing the housing and providing a number of contact terminals exterior of the same, a lead assembly including tip members for mating engagement with said contact terminals, and a spacing plate loosely receiving the tip members and holding them for simultaneous engagement with their respective contact terminals, a cover mating-with said mounting cup and enclosing said spacing plate and switch structure, and means resilicomprising, a mounting cup secured to the switch housing, a lead assembly provided with tip members for proper engagement with ter' minal posts carried by the switch housing, 'a

cover enclosing the demountable connection 1 Ice and mating with the mounting cup to provide aweather tight enclosure, means resiliently connectin the cover with the spacing plate, whereby firm engagement of the parts is assured.

17. In a switch of the class described in the combination comprising a switch housing providing contact terminals exterior thereof, a detachable lead assembly, a spacing plate receiving each of the leads and maintaining them in position to engage their respective terminal members, cover means enclosing the switch and terminal assembly, means operable from a portion of said cover means to maintain the spacing plate in position.

18. A switch of the character described comprising in combination, a mounting cup having a bracket by which the structure is supported, switch mechanism mounted within a case and secured centrally of the mounting cup, means operable through the bottom of the cup to operate the switch device, a spring ring disposed within the cup about the switch housing, leads attached to the switch mechanism, and a cover mating with the mounting cup to enclose the lead connection with the switch device, said spring ring engaging the cover and operable to maintain latching engagement with the mounting cup.

19. In a switch of the character described the combination comprising, a storm proof enclosure comprising a mounting cup wherein the switching device is mounted, a cover having bayonet and slotted engagement with the mounting cup and enclosing the switching device and the junction of the terminal leads attached thereto, and means resiliently engaging the cover to maintain latching engagement with said mounting cup.

In testimony whereof I hereto aflix my signature.

HARRY E. NORVIEL. 

